‘What is the future of art?’ we asked #ArtBaselAwards 2026 medalist theastergates 🌟 Honored in this year’s ‘Established Artist’ category, Gates expands artistic practice through socially engaged work spanning sculpture and urbanism. Learn more about this year’s Art Basel Awards – presented in partnership with BOSS – recognizing a global cohort of artists, innovators, and institutions via the link in bio. — Image credits: Portrait of Theaster Gates at his Chicago studio, 2024. Photo: Lyndon French, courtesy of Theaster Gates Studio Installation view of Walking Prayer, 2018–20, Theaster Gates. Photo: Robert McKeever, courtesy of Theaster Gates Studio and Gagosian Theaster Gates, Young Lords and Their Traces, 2022. New Museum, New York. Photo: Chris Strong, courtesy of Theaster Gates Studio. Theaster Gates, 1-800-Roofing, 2024. Industrial oil-based enamel, rubber torch down, bitumen, and steel, 110 7_8 x 456 3_4 inches (281.5 x 1160 cm) ©️ Theaster Gates, Photo: Thomas Lannes, c...